Illinois newspaper directory. History of the Illinois press association

Illinois Newspaper Directory and HistoryThis address was followed by one from J. M. Davidson of the Carthage Republican,on "Early Journalism in Illinois."Davidson On Early Press History"Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen: Our honored fellow member, Mr. PaulSelby, editor of the State Journal, delivered before this Association at Springfield, somefive or six years ago, an address that will be remembered by most of you with pleasure.It was chiefly historical and biographical, embracing, as now remembered, personal andcomplimentary mention of most of the pioneer editors of Illinois. That address, Mr.President, in a large measure fills the historical requirements of this topic."My recollection embraces many of the earlier editors mentioned in Colonel Selby'sadmirable paper, as well as some others whom, manifestly, he had no time to mention,hoping, doubtless, as it is in this instance hoped, others may supply omissions, and thuscomplete the history of our honored guild in Illinois."In these recollections are embraced the familiar forms and features of WilliamWalters, who was about the first democratic editor in Illinois to achieve distinction asa writer of ability and as a skillful leader of men. His contemporary antagonist, SimeonFrancis—who but a short time ago was still living, in a far distant western stateas editor of the old Sangamo Journal, was the accepted champion, and an able andworthy one, too, of the Whig cause."Contemporary with these gentlemen, was one whose name is not mentioned sofrequently as his prominent connection with the press of the State, his ability, and hispersonal worth deserves. I refer to the venerated father of the Brooks family of editors,whom we all know and honor. Samuel S. Brooks was a man of quieter methods thaneither Walters or Francis; but he was the peer of any man in the western editorial fieldas a profound thinker and graceful writer. His initial editorial career in this state wasantecedent to the establishment by him of the Illinois Message at Springfield in 1840 andwill hereafter be referred to in its proper connection. The Message was a handsomelyprinted folio, and was industriously and ably edited. One column—the first on thefourth page—had a particular charm for young readers, as I well remember. It borethe modest legend at the head: 'Edited by Austin Brooks.' The crisp and pungentparagraphs of that column gave abundant promise of the ability that afterwards madethe old Quincy Herald a power throughout Illinois and the west. The elder Brooks closedhis newspaper career at Lewistown in a venture called the Illinois Public Ledger, in1847-48. He was then much past the meridian of life, yet full of mature power andcourage-— a Christian gentleman and honest man, faithful to God, his country and hisfriends. The state lost one of its ablest men and the editorial guild one that honoredit by his integrity and truth, in his death, which occurred a few years later. The sonsof this noble-hearted man have proved themselves worthy of the name. Austin, theoldest, now dead some dozen years, if not the founder of the Quincy Herald, at leastgave it the benefit of his genius at a very early date in its existence. Contemporarywith Austin Brooks was Francis Dallam, for some years editor of the Whig. He wasa man of decided talent, and as nearly a fair match in controversy with Austin Brooksas any man could have been."A brief review of pioneer journalism in the western and northwestern part of thestate embraces a few names that have been supplied by my venerable friends, Mr. ThomasGregg, of Hamilton, and Colonel J. B. Patterson, of Oquawka. These gentlemenmodestly withhold their own experiences in journalism, which I am able to supplypartly from personal knowledge and from other sources.